Commissioner Chris Blankenship Named Distinguished Alumni at USA
Commissioner Chris Blankenship manages the state’s resources as the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In that role, he serves as the Co-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program.
The Eighteenth Annual Distinguished Alumni & Services Awards Gala was held Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the MacQueen Alumni Center on the University of South Alabama campus. With more than 200 guests in attendance, the evening included the gathering of friends and family, making new memories and tears of joy and gratitude. Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Margaret Sullivan, shared, “The Distinguished Alumni & Service Awards Gala was a magical evening celebrating amazing alumni and friends making a positive difference in this world. I am inspired by our alumni and in awe of their achievements.”
This year the association awarded seven recipients with honors. Christopher M. Blankenship ’92, James B. Estabrook, Jr. ’68 and John Ethan Bonds Shell ’00 received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Margie Malone Tuckson ’73 received the Distinguished Service Award. Robert Edward Battles, Sr. ’69 received the V. Gordon Moulton Distinguished Service Award. Drs. John W. and Sally Steadman received the William J. “Happy” Fulford Inspirational Achievement Award. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians received the Community Partner Award.
